Introduction: Many anglers know the name
Action Optics, especially fly fishermen, but did you know that Action Optics and
Smith are one and the same? Known as Smith Action Optics the company specializes
in optics for outdoor activities. The new VTi is one of their hot new styles
designed specifically to address the unique needs of fishermen.

Impressions: Smith
Action Optics has a dedicated specialty fishing collection which utilizes their
expertise to put proven technical features into sunglasses designed specifically
for angling applications. These optics are designed to provide superior clarity
and definition in all light conditions, eliminate glare, and shield your eyes
from harmful UVA and UVB rays.

The Smith Action Optics VTi

All of the optics in Smith’s
2007 Specialty Fishing collection are designed to meet the rigorous standards of
not just weekend warriors, but professional guides, those that spend each and
every day on the water.

Many anglers know the brand
"Action Optics" and on the VTi the Smith logo can be found right on the lens

The VTi features a unique one
piece lens design, coupled with exotic materials. “For
Smith Optics’ product testers, the goal for every piece of equipment is
perfection. In the V Ti, we used the finest materials and a unique design to
answer the need for ultimate performance,” said Peter Crow, general manager of
Smith’s Action Optics Polarized Collection.

Our tests start out as the sun
rises

The VTi
frame is made with lightweight and flexible titanium temples and hydrophilic
Megol pads on the nose and temple pads are designed to ensure a comfortable
non-slip fit during high-speed, high-exertion activities.

The VTi comes with this hard
protective case

Regardless
of what frame and polarized lens combination that anglers select every set comes
with a total of three lenses including the new
Ignitor™ (Smith Optics’ light-amplifying
lens tint for natural terrain) and
Clear Mirror performance optics.

On the other side is a cavity
which makes it easy to hold the case

Real World Tests: To
test the VTi I head out to fish from dawn to dusk for a period of two months on
the some of the largest Northern California lakes including Clear Lake and Lake
Berryessa. The VTi was compared side by side with other optics including other
pairs from Smith, Oakley, Native, and Ray Ban.